Today’s scripture: Psalm 14 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (E’sha Cooper):
Psalm 14 begins with these three verses:
The fool hath said in their heart, “there is no God”. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of people, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they have all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Here’s an easy “A” quiz for you. Choose the best answer to each question.
1) If you have a plumbing leak, you would call a: a. Plumber b. Dietician or c. Hair stylist
2) If you had broken your arm, you would go to a: a. Doctor b. Library or c. Jazz Concert
3) If you needed money to buy a house, would you go to: a. A bank b. Welfare office or c. Walmart
I hope you picked “a” for all of your answers. Now some of you deep people may have come up with some other answers, but that’s for another devotional, not this one.
So E’sha, how does this quiz tie into today’s devotional? Let’s assume all of us picked the letter “a” for our answers and we did it because we have been taught that there are very specific individuals and institutions that we turn to when various problems of life arrive. We know it would be downright silly to call your hair stylist when your kitchen sink was leaking, or to go to a jazz concert after you have broken your arm. Those decisions would not make sense. Going to the wrong source or not getting the right help you need for your specific circumstance when it is readily available is nothing but foolish.
In today’s scripture reading from Psalms 14, specifically, verses 1-3, God is addressing what a foolish person looks like. “The fool has said in their heart, there is no God.” (v1) Note that they didn’t say this out loud, professing atheism or abandonment of their faith. They said it in their heart which was displayed in how they lived and the spiritual and mental fruit they produced. (v2-3). When we don’t seek God for our help in EVERY situation, this Psalm suggests that we are living foolishly. Our actions are saying, ”There is no God. I don’t need God’s help, so I will figure it out on my own and do it my way.”
Have you ever chosen to do something that takes you away from God, rather than doing the things to keep you close to God? If you have, you have just said,” There is no God. God is not my source, I am.” Does that seem foolish as the Psalm suggests? Have you ever jumped in and tried to control every outcome in your life before getting God’s insight or instruction? Again, “There is no God.”
God’s sole desire is fellowship with us (Jeremiah 24:7). God wants to be included in everything. God wants the final say in every affair of your life. God is the ultimate prescription and cure for everything that passes through life (Exodus 3:13). You’re smart enough to call the a plumber when you have a leak. Use that same common sense to call on God to help you in every aspect of your life. You are love.
Prayer for the day: Lord, forgive me for doing it on my own. Every time I choose my own way, I am saying, ”There is no God.” That is not my heart’s desire. I need You and welcome You to guide me from day to day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.